by Alice Bulmer | Jan 19, 2021 | Beginner ukulele, Ukulele lessons, Ukulele strumming, Ukulele teaching
Some of the most common questions I hear as a ukulele teacher are: 1. How do I know which strum to play for a particular song? And, in the beginner class: 2. Why do we have to learn strumming straight away? Can’t I just learn chords? I’ve written this post to address...
by Alice Bulmer | Dec 9, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Ukulele lessons, Ukulele practice tips
One of the many fun things you can do with a ukulele, after you’ve learned a few basic chords, is learn to fingerpick. Have you ever sat and watched someone play a beautiful picking pattern, and thought, “That sounds amazing, and I wish I could do it, but I’m sure...
by Alice Bulmer | Jun 15, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Music and wellbeing, Ukulele practice tips
The other day one of my ukulele students turned up to class wearing a brace on her left arm. “I’ve been getting a sore wrist,” she said. Uh-oh! She’s having a week off. Music-related injury is much less of a problem with the ukulele than most instruments. But it’s...
by Alice Bulmer | Apr 30, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Ukulele lessons, Ukulele teaching
Learning to play ukulele in a group is great. In fact, I think it’s actually better than learning on your own. With most musical instruments, group teaching is a cost-saving option. When a teacher has four or five students in a group, they’ll get a better hourly rate,...
by Alice Bulmer | Mar 26, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Music and wellbeing
It’s fun It’s joyful It shifts energy, for you, for others nearby, and in your surroundings It raises your spirits, and the spirits of people listening It transforms emotions It creates connection Singing exercises your lungs and helps with breathing Stress...
by Alice Bulmer | Feb 14, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Community music, Ukulele teaching
Seven years ago I accidentally started a ukulele group. Here’s how it happened: One day my friends Jane and Paula said, “Let’s play ukulele!” And I said, “Why not!” That Friday evening we got together at Paula’s place. We had three chords, three ukuleles and a bottle...
